The Giver Should Be Thankful
Two Persimmons, Kono Bairei (1844-1895) - 1890 |
The Giver Should Be Thankful
The master
of Engaku in Kamakura, Seisetsu was so
well known for his teachings that many
flocked to his tutelage. Consequently,
the School’s accommodations became seriously overcrowded.
Umezu Sibei,
a highly successful merchant of Edo, happened to be visiting the region and so
paid a courtesy visit to the esteemed teacher.
Noting the meagre lodgings of the school and feeling rather magnanimous
he, on his return to his residence, made arrangements to donate five hundred
pieces of gold (ryo) towards the construction of a more spacious school.
A few days
later, his chest swelling with pride, Umezu revisited the school and personally
handed the sack of gold over to the teacher Seiseutsu. But when Seisetsu simply
received the amount with his matter-of-fact attitude and only the assertion:
“All right. I will take it.”, Umezu became highly dissatisfied.
One can live
a whole year on just three ryo, Umezu grumbled under his breath, yet I’ve not
received not even a simple thank you for this magnanimous gift of five hundred
ryo?
Refusing to
take his leave, Umezu shifted
uncomfortably and, after clearing his
throat with a slight cough, added
poignantly: “You know of course that in that sack are five hundred ryo?”
“Yes I know;
you mentioned it previously.” Seisetsu replied impassively, turning to leave.
“Though I’m
a wealthy merchant, five hundred ryo is still considered a hefty sum,” Umezu grumbled
rather loudly.
“Do you wish
a thank you for it?” Half turning, Seisetsu asked.
“Well, don’t
you think you ought to?” responded Uzemu.
Seisetsu
simply said: “Why? It’s the giver who should be thankful. ”
Ohara Koson (1877-1945)- Night Heron Under a Crescent Moon |
Fini